Birla Cellulose’s Grasim Vilayat, India Site Achieves The EU BAT Compliances

MUMBAI, India — June 10, 2021— Birla Cellulose’s Grasim Cellulosic Division, Vilayat, India has successfully commissioned the carbon-disulphide adsorption plant (CAP) and has achieved the stringent level of sulphur-to-air emission norms stipulated in the EU BAT references (EU Best Available Technologies BREFs) for the viscose manufacturing process.

This initiative is in line with Birla Cellulose’s aim to apply the best available technologies (EU BAT) at all of its fibre locations and investments of $170 million are in progress in order to achieve this by the end of 2022.

“Adapting the best available technologies is an important milestone towards achieving global leadership in sustainable practices in the MMCF industry,” informed H K Agrawal, COO of Birla Cellulose, “we are investing in innovation to continually improve our performance. This is the reason that our products come with sustainability credentials that are global benchmarks.”

Birla Cellulose has already achieved Carbon Neutrality in Scope 1 & 2 emissions by sequestration of carbon in its managed forests. Birla Cellulose is also ranked #1 in Canopy’s Hot Button Report for its sustainable forestry practices and innovations in NextGen solutions. Birla Cellulose has also established the global benchmark for lowest water intensity in the viscose manufacturing.

Grasim Vilayat has installed state-of-the-art closed-loop technologies to recover and recycle CS2, which is the key raw material for viscose manufacturing process. With these technologies, the site is able to significantly reduce its emissions and achieve 90 to 95 percent recovery in terms of sulphur and recycle it back to the process. In addition to this, the site also meets all other EU BAT parameters. This was confirmed by an audit conducted by Sustainable Textile Solutions UK (STS) recently. The site also meets the ZDHC MMCF responsible viscose production standards.

Vilayat is one of Birla Cellulose’s flagship sites and post the ongoing expansion, it will be the world’s largest MMCF manufacturing site. The on-going expansion project at Vilayat site is also designed to comply with EU BAT requirements and designed to achieve low energy consumption.

The Vilayat will supply eco-enhanced fibres, Livaeco by Birla Cellulose™ (Viscose & Modal variants) to sustainability conscious Brands globally. Livaeco by Birla Cellulose™ range of products comes with outstanding sustainability credentials such as EU BAT norms, FSC® certification, low water and energy consumption and complete supply chain traceability from forest-to-fashion using GreenTrack™ platform.

Posted June 10, 2021

Source: Birla Cellulose

Platinum Equity To Acquire Global Sewing Machine Manufacturer SVP Worldwide

LOS ANGELES — June 10, 2021— Platinum Equity announced today a definitive agreement to acquire a controlling stake in SVP-Singer Holdings Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries (SVP Worldwide), a consumer sewing machine company. Existing shareholders and management have retained a meaningful equity interest. Financial terms were not disclosed. The transaction is expected to be completed during the third quarter of 2021.

SVP Worldwide accounts for more than one out of three consumer sewing machines sold worldwide through three iconic brands: SINGER®, VIKING®, and PFAFF®. The company’s products are sold across a network of sewing machine dealers, mass retailers, specialty shops, online retailers, distributors, and the company’s 180 internally operated retail stores.

SVP Worldwide CEO Carl-Martin Lindahl and Executive Chairman Stan Rosenzweig, who both joined the company in 2018, will continue in their roles following the change in ownership.

“The company has made impressive strides recently by investing in technology and product development, and is on the cusp of a new stage of growth fueled by innovation and continued operational transformation,” said Platinum Equity Managing Director Jason Price. “Carl-Martin, Stan and the entire SVP Worldwide team have done an excellent job refocusing the business and setting the stage for the next chapter. We fully support the investments they’ve made and we will bring additional financial and operational resources to bear to help accelerate their efforts.”

With its corporate headquarters in Nashville, Tenn., and regional headquarters and sales offices in Milan, Shanghai and Mexico City, SVP Worldwide is a global business that serves consumers in more than 180 countries. The company’s operations include manufacturing facilities in Asia and Latin America, multiple R&D centers, including a new state-of-the-art facility in Sweden, a software development center in the United Kingdom, and a global supply chain with distribution centers in all regions.

“We have made good progress reinvigorating our product development capabilities and redoubling our commitment to our dealer and retail partners, but there is a lot more work to be done,” Lindahl said. “We are excited about the opportunity to work with the Platinum team, which will bring new perspectives and expertise to the table and further expand our playbook.”

Rosenzweig, whose family has been involved in the sewing industry for three generations, added he is optimistic about growth trends in the sector.

“Technology is making sewing more accessible to a broader demographic with new demand driven in part by interest from a younger generation attracted to personalization, self-expression and outlets to showcase their creativity,” Rosenzweig said. “In developing markets, growth is also being fueled by an emerging middle class and a ‘need to sew’ segment that uses sewing machines to generate income. It’s an exciting time for the industry.”

In addition to opportunities for organic growth, Platinum Equity expects to use its M&A resources to help the company expand.

“An upcoming slate of exciting new products positions SVP Worldwide brands to gain market share, and we also believe there are additional means for growth through add-on acquisitions, particularly in sewing-related accessories and other products,” added Mr. Price.

Latham and Watkins is serving as legal advisor to Platinum Equity on the acquisition of SVP Worldwide. BofA Securities is providing financing for the transaction.

Sawaya Partners LLC is acting as exclusive financial advisor and Morgan Lewis as legal advisor to SVP Worldwide with respect to the transaction.

Posted June 10, 2021

Source: Platinum Equity

Techtextil North America 2021 Symposium Schedule Announced

ATLANTA — June 10, 2021— The 2021 edition of Techtextil North America has released the schedule for the Symposium, taking place alongside the Techtextil North America tradeshow, August 23-25, 2021, at the Raleigh Convention Center in Raleigh, N.C.

The Techtextil North America Symposium is dedicated to showcasing advancements in research and technology for the textile industry, highlighting the latest trends and innovations, with a focus on sustainable practices. The show’s theme this year is “Accelerating Technology” and will explore the textile industry’s high level of innovation and contribution to the global supply chain.

Attendees will have the opportunity to expand their expertise and gain a competitive edge throughout seven presentation and panel-style sessions, where industry leaders and subject matter experts will cover the hottest topics around the post-pandemic supply chain, exploring lessons learned, adaptations being made, and future-oriented insights on the industry as a whole. Session content this year will also touch on topics related to the expanded product groups brought by the Texprocess Americas Pavilion and Textile Care Pavilion.

Monday, August 23, 2021

8:30am – 10:00am | Sustainability, Traceability and Supply-Chain Disruptions

Moderated by: Mike Abbott, director of Global Research & Innovation, Hanesbrands

There is a tremendous amount of speculation around what a post-pandemic world will look like, with the textile industry asking itself: What will change and what will revert to how it was before?

What is, at this point, beyond speculation, is that the post-pandemic supply chain and manufacturing ecosystem will be vastly different. Over the coming years, there will be an increased focus on the global manufacturing dynamic, with companies weighing more and more the geopolitical implications – such as disruptions in supply, transparency for labor, material sources, and quality control – of manufacturing in developing countries around the world.

A critical component of this discussion should be the development of a stable domestic textile machinery and manufacturing base to support various needs of the US economy including: continuous demand for commodities, emergency needs for rapid product development, scalable manufacturing for critical supplies like PPE, and what is needed from the federal government to support domestic textile investment.

10:30am – 12:00pm | Digital Transformation Strategy

Moderated by: Keith Hoover, partner, Black Swan Textiles

Imagine designing a garment that can be immediately visualized and manufactured using the same data. Today, the imagination is the only place that can happen. The value proposition is different for apparel brands, textile mills, and garment makers. But other industries have shown how technology can connect the players so that design and engineering are integrated to define an optimized product that flows transparently through material creation, cutting, sewing, and distribution. AI-enabled line planning isn’t enough. 3D design visualization isn’t enough. A lean factory with robots isn’t enough. Digitalization must be comprehensive with a data thread that connects every phase. This session will bring together leaders from every phase of apparel to provide insight into a comprehensive solution.

2:30pm – 4:00pm | High Performance Fibers: From Concept to Market

Moderated by: Sam Buff, vice president & general manager, Manufacturing & Textile Innovation Network

Learn more about what it takes to commercialize an innovative fiber in this interactive session.  Speakers will share their experiences in the journey of progressing an idea to end product in the world of technical textiles.

Tuesday, August 24, 2021

8:30am – 10:00am | Sustainability in Laundering & Textile Care

Moderated by: Todd Cline, director of Research and Development, Sustainability and Wellness, Procter & Gamble

As issues related to sustainability are becoming of increasing importance for the textile industry, suppliers, manufacturers and brands are more closely examining the overall life-cycle of textile products – from design, development and production, to recommended after-market care. In this hybrid presentation/panel session, industry experts will discuss the sustainability journey involved in both home and commercial laundering. What are the environmental impacts, and how can we lessen the overall footprint? Our panel discuss topics including:

  • Material Development and Selection;
  • Energy Consumption and Cold Water Wash; and
  • Fiber Shedding & Microplastic Pollution.

10:30am – 12:00pm | A Full Embrace of Circularity in Textiles

Moderated by: Andre West, director, Zeis Textile Extension, Wilson College of Textiles, North Carolina State University

Textile production has become one of the most polluting industries, producing 1.2 billion tons of CO2 per year. Natural resources are put under substantial pressure, causing high levels of pollution; including the use of toxic chemicals, dangerous dyes, and synthetics fibers seeping into water supplies and in our ocean. The circular textiles industry can be defined as a regenerative system in which fabrics are circulated for as long as their maximum value is retained, and then returned safely to the biosphere when they are no longer of use. In a circular model, products are designed and developed with the next use in mind. Less than 1% of clothing is recycled into new clothing. What are the ideas that will drive this new economy? Perhaps these panelists will help you invigorate your company to begin thinking circular.

2:30pm – 4:00pm | Sustainability Strategies to Protect Your Brand and Your Bottom Line

Moderated by: Joe Walkuski, founder and CEO, Texbase

Sustainability and transparency will affect the value of your brand more than anything else in the next two years. Get it right and you’ll succeed. Get it wrong and your brand may never recover. This is true for all brands – ingredient brands as well as consumer brands. Everyone in the supply chain must adapt to shifting demands for sustainable products that must perform. The retail customer will not accept anything but absolute transparency and will reward those brands that are able to deliver specific, concise and accurate data validation. This session will explore best practices in creating sustainable supply chains and the importance of validating, documenting and certifying performance through testing, chain of custody and supply chain collaboration.

Wednesday, August 25, 2021

8:30am – 10:00am | Manufacturing, Managing, and Regulating PPE – Now and into the Future

Moderated by: Dr. Kavita Mathur, associate professor of Textile and Apparel, Technology and Management, Wilson College of Textiles, North Carolina State University

This session will expose the need for scalable solutions for PPE focusing on respirators, surgical masks, and facemasks, and effective infection prevention strategies that can be deployed quickly and globally to contain pandemic threats while mitigating financial risks worldwide. Learn how PPE market has been impacted by global supply chain issues and continues to present a unique challenge to the global economy in terms of best practices needed to re-open economies effectively while putting into practice strong mitigation strategies to contain the spread of infections. In this presentation-style panel session, our industry experts and researchers will present and discuss this market and their innovative approaches in handling and supporting infection controls and management, current testing standards adapted by industries to evaluate these PPEs for the level of performance and protection they offer to the wearer from airborne particles and from contaminated liquid, and share established compliance and regulatory landscape by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that has allowed these PPE businesses to safeguard the integrity of their supply chain.

Speaker announcements coming soon

Symposium seating is limited, so interested attendees are encouraged to register early. Techtextil North America’s tired pricing structure provides significant savings to those who register in advance. All Symposium registrations include three days of exhibit hall access. Advanced Pricing ends on June 18th, so be sure to take advantage of the savings before it’s too late!

  • $800 for Full Symposium pass, offering the best value for education;
  • $500 for One Day Symposium, Monday, August 23 or Tuesday, August 24;
  • $165 for One Day Symposium, Wednesday August 25; and
  • $90 for Exhibit Hall only.

Registration can be accessed here: https://www.xpressreg.net/register/TTNA0821/start.asp?sc=PR4

Posted June 10, 2021

Source: Messe Frankfurt North America

Game Changing #MakeItFeelRight Campaign Returns: Lenzing’s TENCEL™ Brand Introduces New Ways To Join The Movement And Activate “#MakeAPledge”

LENZING, Austria — June 10, 2021— When #MakeItFeelRight (#MIFR) first launched in 
2019, Lenzing’s TENCEL™ brand set out to raise awareness on the negative
impact that the fashion industry has on the environment. With rising eco-fashion demand in mind, the campaign highlights the importance of making environmentally responsible textile choices with the ability to “#MakeAPledge” and actively contribute to making the world a better place. With this in mind, the TENCEL brand revitalized the #MIFR campaign on World Environment Day 2021. Exciting announcements, new ways to become part of the conversation and entertaining Instagram and TikTok filters are all to be expected throughout the year!

Partnering with sustainable change-makers

TENCEL brand is partnering with One Tree Planted once again, an innovative NGO focused on reforestation efforts, to introduce “#MakeAPledge” on TikTok and Instagram. Consumers will have the ability to submit a short video pledge in exchange for a “Tree Certificate”. For every certificate generated, TENCEL will then plant a tree with One Tree Planted as a way to acknowledge their contributions in aiding the global reforestation effort.

Building on a successful partnership established in the first campaign, TENCEL is excited to partner with Redress once again. TENCEL is always looking for new and exciting partnerships such as Redress and One Tree Planted. As the campaign progresses, watch out for more NGOs and influencers engaging with the sustainability movement!

In addition to NGOs, this year the campaign will include a variety of new and powerful influencers, including Lily Cole, Caitlyn Warakomski, Valeria Hinojosa and more! As social media influencers, their raw star power and dedicated audiences will play a big role in shaping the sustainability movement to #MakeItFeelRight.

“TENCEL, a pioneering textile fiber brand, is delighted to be collaborating with a stellar selection of NGOs and influencers. As advocates for sustainability in a range of ways, we trust them to empower everyday people to be more sustainable and work towards collective sustainability goals. Whether it’s through Instagram Reels, filters or TikTok challenges, we want to give you the power to use your voice and creativity to champion sustainability”.

“It’s up to you to actively support sustainable fashion and the #MIFR campaign is here to help in any way it can,” shared Harold Weghorst, vice president of Global Marketing & Branding at Lenzing Group.

The eco-movement is just getting started

It’s not just about keeping those who are already committed to sustainable practices informed, but also educating those who want to do more but don’t know where to start. TENCEL aims to empower everyday people to participate, actively share content online, and get their voices heard.

“Since the inauguration of the first #MIFR campaign in 2019, the demand for sustainable fashion and lifestyle has skyrocketed. Through our TENCEL brand, we regularly work with various stakeholders in the fashion industry to enhance their sustainability measures. We recognize that a crucial part of this ecosystem are everyday people. With the launch of the #MakeItFeelRight reboot, we want to inspire you to heal the planet by implementing sustainability practices and products in your daily routines. Sustainability is not a project nor a short-term goal, it’s a movement, and it starts with you,” said Florian Heubrandner, vice president, Global Textiles Business at Lenzing AG.

Please check out the TENCEL #MIFR website and social media platforms for more information throughout the campaign. More news and information on new ways to interact with the influencers, brands and NGOs that are making a true difference will be shared soon. We invite everyone to be a part of the #MakeItFeelRight movement and encourage all to #MakeAPledge!

Posted June 10, 2021

Source: Lenzing AG

EURATEX Calls For An Effective EU Industrial Strategy To Counterbalance The Effects Of The Pandemic

BRUSSELS — June 9, 2021— On the occasion of releasing its 2021 Spring Report, EURATEX calls the European Institutions to implement a new Industrial Strategy which will effectively support the European textiles industry. EURATEX welcomes the fact that Textile and Clothing industry is recognised as one of the 14 essential ecosystems of the European economy, but we need to take effective measures to support these sectors, and take into consideration the global dimension.

Economic data for 2020 in EURATEX Spring Report show preoccupying trends.  Figures reflect a dramatic contraction in demand and production: EU turnover contracted by -9.3 percent in textiles (which is in line with the general manufacturing average) and by -17.7 percent in clothing, compared with 2019. Furthermore, supply chain disruptions and substantial price increases of some raw materials are putting significant pressure on the T&C industries across Europe.  The trade deficit for European textiles and clothing jumped from -47 billion euros in 2019 to -62 billion euros in 2020, an increase of more than 30 percent, which is almost entirely due to the import of Chinese face masks and related products. Fortunately, more recent figures from the 1st quarter of 2021 indicate some signs of recovery.

That figure illustrates very well today’s political discussions on the future of the European industry. Many European companies have made considerable efforts to adapt their production to the pandemic, but clearly this was not enough. Whether the production cost in Europe is too high or the EU should adapt its procurement rules, the industry needs have a coherent long-term plan to become more competitive and conquer new markets.

EURATEX General Assembly highlighted the critical role of the new EU Industrial Strategy. The inclusion of textiles and clothing in the fourteen ecosystems is a step in the right direction to consolidate the industrial base but we should look also at the global challenges. European companies should continue investing in innovation, design and quality, in combination with a structural move towards more sustainable textiles. At the same time, the EU should create an environment — both inside the Single Market and globally — where everybody plays by the same rules.

“We should build a transition pathway which is based on an honest dialogue between the industry and policy makers, ensuring an effective level playing field” commented President Alberto Paccanelli. “I am also glad that TEKO, the Swedish Association for textiles and fashion companies, became again one of our members. It is sign that the industry is united. It is now time that the EU institutions deliver on their promises”.

Posted June 9, 2021

Source: EURATEX

Winners Announcement: 2021 “Fashion For All” Student Design Competition

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C./LIVINGSTON, N.J. — June 9, 2021— AATCC and the Runway of Dreams Foundation are delighted to announce the winners of the 2021 AATCC and Runway of Dreams Foundation Fashion for All Student Design Competition!

The 2021 theme challenged students to create or transform an accessory — bags, belts, jewelry, shoes, for example — that reimagines fashion and function for people with disabilities. All accessories MUST be textile based!

First Place

Starry Night Super Socks by Emma Steadman from Duke University. She will be awarded a $5,000 scholarship. The prize will be presented at the Runway of Dreams Fashion Revolution Runway Show and Gala during NYFW 2021 with up to $1,000 travel and lodging stipend. Steadman is a mechanical engineering student.

Steadman said: “This competition with a requirement to choose an accessory taught me that even the smallest adaptation can be revolutionary to help people with disabilities feel comfortable and confident. This will be important to remember in my career that the most brilliant ideas aren’t necessarily always the most extravagant, but rather they are the ones that keep the needs of the consumer in focus.”

Honorable Mentions

The entries below have received an Honorable Mention. They will receive recognition in AATCC media and a certificate of accomplishment from the Runway of Dreams Foundation.

The Libby Belt by Emma Ryan from the Kendall College of Art and Design, enrolled in Fashion Studies.

From this competition Ryan says she learned that “Fashion should be available for everyone but unfortunately a lot of people have to sacrifice fashion for function. By communicating with the consumer, garments and accessories can be designed to be both.”

Tastefully Inclusive by Payton Rigler, University of Arkansas, Apparel Merchandising and Product Development.

Rigler says, “This competition was a huge learning experience for me. It was the first time I constructed an accessory, as well as an opportunity to create something not intended for personal use. It was insightful to learn about those living with disabilities and hearing how different their day-to-day life looks like and the challenges they often face. Overall, this competition was extremely beneficial and will most definitely impact my future designs in a way that is less self-driven and more aware of meeting specific needs of others.”

Fashion For All, The Access Pack by Kedena Thompson, North Carolina State University, Textile Technology

Thompson said: “This competition has reinforced my belief that intentional design is imperative and important! As an apparel and accessories industry professional, I know first-hand that brands do not design for people with disabilities. In future positions I plan to ensure inclusivity and attention to detail regarding ableism occurs during the concept/design stage and is part of the final product selections for market.”

Posted June 9, 2021

Source: AATCC and the Runway of Dreams Foundation

Ascend Expands HiDura™ Long-Chain Polyamides (LCPA) Production Capacity

HOUSTON — June 9, 2021— Ascend Performance Materials has expanded production capacity for HiDura long-chain polyamides in its Greenwood, S.C., plant. The multi-million dollar expansion will help the company meet growing demand for its new product line.

Launched in Nov. 2020, Ascend’s HiDura PA610 and 612 products are used in a variety of consumer goods, industrial, renewable energy, automotive and electric vehicle applications.

“Exceptional ductility, UV weatherability and hydrolysis resistance give HiDura resins and engineered plastics reliable, long-term performance in some of the harshest conditions,” said Kaan Gunes, business manager for HiDura at Ascend.

Gunes cited applications in solar photovoltaic supports, battery seals and brush bristles to illustrate the versatility and durability of HiDura. “Each of these parts faces extreme conditions, whether the 25 years a solar PV installation will be exposed to the elements or the constant contact with corrosive chemicals inside a battery cell. The various grades we developed are designed to improve the reliability of our customers’ products.”

Ascend, which is the largest fully integrated producer of nylon 6,6 resin, used its extensive polymerization knowledge to expand capacity at its Greenwood facility.

“We have been polymerizing PA66 in Greenwood for decades,” said Michael Walters, senior site director for Ascend in Greenwood. “Our people understand how to consistently produce high-performance, high-quality materials safely and were excited to see the success of HiDura build off their work.”

Posted June 9, 2021

Source: Ascend Performance Materials

Toray Carbon Magic Ultra-Lightweight Solar Plane: The Winner Of JEC Innovation Award

TOKYO— June 4, 2021— On June 2, Toray Carbon Magic Co. Ltd.’s Solar plane was named the winner of the JEC Connect 2021 Innovation Award in Aerospace Category. Meanwhile, the JEC Group, a global and innovative media event company, is responsible for the selection of the world’s most innovative composite solutions.

This project has been developed in collaboration with Tokai University which has great records of The World Solar Challenge, in cooperation with the Sky Perfect JSAT and Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization. Thus, this is the result of the industry-academia and government collaboration.

The success of this project was made possible because of its design and its manufacturing of the full-composite aircraft, resulting in an ultra-lightweight, highly stiff structure that includes a16-meter wingspan. In addition, due to the mechanical properties of the advanced composite materials, the solar plane framework is resistant to fatigue and environmental conditions, ensuring optimal performance at high altitudes for prolonged periods.

The objective of this project, which is still in development, is to provide energy-efficient relay stations for broad and wide telecommunication networks.

On the other hand, we have announced the result of another project which has something to do with the large-scale decorative lighting along with CFRP structures assembled at the Singapore Raffles Hotel. It has also been selected as a finalist in design category in the same event.

Finally, we will continue to work on our creativity and innovation in this technology and contribute to the future society. Likewise, we will seek further possibilities of composite technology.

Posted June 9, 2021

Source: Toray Industries Inc.

China International Disposable Paper Expo (CIDPEX) Awards American Hygienics Corporation (AHC) A Top Wipes Manufacturer In China

NANJING, China — May 25, 2021 — The 28th China International Disposable Paper Expo (CIDPEX), one of the largest global disposable hygiene exhibitions, awarded and gave recognition to American Hygienics Corporation (AHC) as one of the largest wet wipes manufacturers in China.

This prestigious recognition comes at a time when the world was facing one of the largest supply chain interruptions in modern-day history.

“All dealings in the supply chain were directly between CEO to CEO; it all came down to relationships and reputation in order to secure spunlace non-wovens” said Nilesh Parmar (CEO and Founder of AHC). “I had to personally meet with each of the CEO’s of our suppliers to ensure that AHC maintained their supply commitments, our suppliers also only prioritize materials to primary long-term A-list partners only.” The Covid-19 pandemic placed immense pressure on the entire supply chain throughout any sector that needed non-wovens. During the thick of this pandemic, AHC was able to secure significant capacities of non-woven enabling them to quickly and promptly cover major supply shortages in the market.

AHC inaugurated its Zhejiang brand new state-of-the-art plant in November of 2019 right when the pandemic started. This posed great opportunities in product needs and immense challenges in the execution of the new manufacturing site. This new facility was instrumental for AHC in fulfilling major shortages in the market.

AHC is one of the largest manufacturers of wet wipes in Asia with two manufacturing facilities and a gross annual output of over a billion wipes a year. Their manufacturing facilities are ISO13485 certified and manufacture regular and OTC drug wipe products as well as carry US EPA site registrations and collaborate with relevant licensees on infection control products. They have a 20-year history and are one of the pillars of the entire industry.

Posted June 9, 2021

Source: American Hygienics Corporation (AHC)

NCTO Welcomes Senate Passage Of U.S. Innovation And Competition Act; Key Provision Guarantees Long-Term Contracts For Domestic PPE

WASHINGTON — June 8, 2021 — The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO), representing the full spectrum of U.S. textiles from fiber through finished products, issued a statement today welcoming Senate passage of the bipartisan U.S. Innovation and Competition Act (USICA). As part of the bill’s effort to address overall manufacturing and technology competitiveness issues from the perspective of the U.S.-China relationship, the legislation will help reconstitute a domestic supply chain for personal protective equipment (PPE).

“We commend the Senate for ushering the bipartisan USICA, designed to make the U.S. more globally competitive against China, across the finish line which includes an important provision to help onshore personal protective equipment (PPE) production,” said NCTO President and CEO Kim Glas.

“We sincerely thank Senator Rob Portman (R-Ohio) and Senator Gary Peters (D-Mich.) for working to include their Make PPE in America Act in the USICA, a critical priority of the U.S. textile industry,” Glas said. “This language will help onshore critical production of medical personal protective equipment (PPE) by guaranteeing long-term contracts for American-made PPE and establishing a much-need domestic procurement requirement for federal purchases of these essential products. It will ensure that that U.S. taxpayer dollars are utilized to construct and secure a domestic production chain for the manufacture of lifesaving PPE and other essential medical supplies,” Glas said.

NCTO led an industry and labor coalition effort supporting the inclusion of the Make PPE in America Act in the USICA. The USICA contains the key provisions of the Portman-Peters bill that ensures all PPE purchased by the Departments of Homeland Security, Health and Human Services and Veterans Affairs are Berry Amendment-compliant and guarantees long-term contracts for these critical items to incentivize domestic production.

“While we support the overall USICA package, which includes many items of critical importance to the U.S. textile industry, our industry is extremely concerned about a provision that was added in the eleventh hour that could sidetrack the critical effort to onshore a self-sufficient PPE industry,” Glas added. “This harmful provision would unilaterally suspend normal tariffs and penalties assessed on PPE imports for two years. Doing so would allow China to maintain its stranglehold on the U.S. PPE market, while working at cross-purposes with other provisions of the bill designed to incentivize much needed investment in domestic PPE manufacturing. U.S. manufacturers retooled production and have significant idle capacity. It is critical that the House of Representatives strike this damaging language if this legislative package is considered.

“Congress and the administration need to keep PPE tariffs in place to support U.S. businesses and workers who abide by higher labor, environmental and production standards. The industry reconstituted supply chains to help healthcare frontline workers.  Our industry has significant capacity to help meet U.S. medical needs. This provision is the absolute wrong message to send to American manufacturers and its workforce,” Glas noted.

Posted June 9, 2021

Source: The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO)

1...726727728...2,522Page 727 of 2,522

Sponsors

Breaking News

Load more

Digital Issue

2025 Quarterly Issue Number II

View Latest Digital Issue

FEATURED ARTICLES

© Copyright 2017 Textile Industries Media Group, LLC.